Architectural waterproofing membrane and termite barrier

ABSTRACT

Several embodiments of a prefabricated barrier for providing protection to subterranean walls and other structural members against both penetration by water and by termites, are disclosed. The barrier has a tacky and waterproof compound, preferably an asphaltic compound, protected by a release liner which is peeled from the web immediately prior to installing the web on building surfaces. A layer of stainless steel mesh is used to inhibit passage of termites. In the first embodiment, the invention comprises protective film (preferably polyester), stainless steel mesh, tacky waterproof compound, and a release liner (preferably polyethylene). In the second embodiment, the layers include a release liner, a first layer of tacky compound, a stainless steel mesh, a second layer of tacky compound, and a second release liner (or protective film). The double release liner embodiment is symmetrical, and can therefore be installed with either side against the surface to be protected. In the third embodiment, there is provided a release liner, a first layer of tacky compound, fiber reinforced material, (preferably fiberglass) a second layer of tacky compound, a stainless steel mesh, and a layer of protective film.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/081,021, filed Apr. 8, 1998.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to protective barriers for buildings. Moreparticular, the present invention comprises a unitary barrier servingmultiple protective functions for subterranean building surfaces,including waterproofing and inhibiting infiltration of termites into aprotected space.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Buildings having foundations consisting of basements, crawl spaces, stemwalls, grade beams, and other subterranean walls and other surfaces ofoccupied or unoccupied spaces are susceptible in many areas toinfiltration of water and by termites. Waterproofing has been providedto answer the former need. In many cases, waterproofing is accomplishedby coating the exterior surface of subterranean walls with bitumen andsimilar water resistant materials. Stock webs of asphaltic, rubber,plastic, latex, or acrylic composition reinforced with or withoutfiberglass (or other reinforcement materials are known. However, theknown products lack stainless steel mesh for termite control incombination with a waterproofing barrier with a tacky surface and arelease liner for assisting in installation, as taught by the presentinvention.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,390,585 issued to Holden on Jun. 28, 1983 discloses adurable flexible membrane and method of making same. This membrane has adense base or core fabric of multi-filament synthetic polymer yarns. PVCresin is used to coat the yarns, and additional coatings of the samecomposition are applied to both sides of the material. The resultingmembrane is excellent for use on a roof, but is not designed with asteel mesh for inhibiting termites, or with a tacky surface forassisting in installation.

An adhesive sheet for preventing aquatic growths and method forpreventing aquatic growths is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,814,227 issuedto Maeda et al. on Mar. 21, 1989. This invention uses an adhesive layerformed on a primer layer in the form of a plate of copper-nickel alloy.The metal plate reduces the flexibility of the sheet (as opposed to asteel mesh or screen), making it difficult to install around sharpcorners as is taught by the present invention. In addition, the adhesiveused is primarily for underwater applications and does not includematerials which are both tacky as well as flowing (for filling inrecesses and holes in the mesh.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,017 issued to Toutountzis on May 23, 1995 isdirected to termite control using a steel mesh, and is herebyincorporated by reference. In this patent, it is shown that a stainlesssteel mesh can be used as a termite barrier. In addition, in column 3,lines 35-42, the combining of the mesh into a plastic sheet for bothmoisture and termite control is discussed. The actual method ofcombining the sheet and mesh is not disclosed, nor is the use of awaterproof adhesive layer for installation, especially on vertical wallsurfaces. Furthermore, this invention provides a moisture barrier only,as opposed to the present invention which includes a waterproof barrierthat protects against water that may collect around the lower exteriorwalls of buildings.

A flexible protective membrane particularly useful for waterproofing andprotecting reinforced concrete bodies and metal pipes is shown in U.S.Pat. No. 5,543,188 issued to Te'eni on Aug. 6, 1996. The patentdiscusses the use of bituminous materials to waterproof concretestructures, but does not disclose or teach combining a waterproof layerwith a steel mesh for termite control.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,630 issued to Byrd on Dec. 3, 1996 discussesmulti-layer waterproofing articles including a layer of water-solublepolymer. The water-soluble polymer is used to coat the adhesive layer toprevent the adhesive from adhering to itself without the use of arelease layer. Asphalt tar and pitch in addition to other materials, arediscussed for use as the adhesive, however, there is no discussion ofsteel mesh or termite control.

None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or incombination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a prefabricated web for providingprotection to subterranean walls and other structural members againstboth penetration by water and by termites. Protection against twohazards is thus provided by installing a single member. The novel webmay be cut to fit and adhered to subterranean wall (or any desired)surfaces.

Preferably, the subterranean wall surfaces are dry-primed, so that atacky surface will adhere thereto. The novel web has a tacky surfaceprotected by a release liner (preferably of polyethylene but may beother plastics, latex, acrylic, paper, etc.), which is peeled from theweb immediately prior to installing the web on building surfaces. Theliner preserves the tacky surface from contamination by dirt and othersubstances which would cover the tacky surface, thereby rendering thesame less effective for installation. Some embodiments of the inventionmay require adhesive or cement to be applied to the substrate, to theweb itself, or to both.

The web has at least one waterproof (as opposed to moisture or dampnessresistant) member, which may or may not have a structural reinforcingmember, and includes a layer of stainless steel mesh. In one embodiment,the waterproof member is asphaltic, which is tacky at ordinary ambienttemperatures. Of course other materials could be used, such as rubber,plastic, latex, or acrylic applied with an adhesive. This waterproofmaterial is covered by a release liner, so that its tacky properties(and a clean, uncontaminated surface) are preserved until immediatelyprior to application. The stainless steel mesh has openings too small toallow termites to pass through. Stainless steel is a material whichresists attack by deleterious influences present in the subterraneanenvironment, and thus will provide a durable barrier to termites.

Various embodiments of a plural layer stock material are contemplated.In one embodiment, the invention comprises, in order, protective film(preferably polyester but may be other plastics, acrylic, latex, paper,etc.), stainless steel mesh, asphalt compound, and a release liner(which is preferably polyethylene but may be other plastics, acrylic,latex, paper, etc.). This is the basic construction, and may be varied.For example, in a second embodiment, the layers are ordered as follows.In a symmetrical construction, the release liner is followed by asphaltcompound, then by stainless steel mesh, then by a second layer ofasphalt compound, then by a second release liner, or protective film. Instill another embodiment, there is provided, in order, a release liner,asphalt compound, fiber reinforced material (preferably fiberglass),asphalt compound, stainless steel mesh, and finally protective film.

Each of these constructions is flexible, in addition to providingbarriers to both water and termites. The resultant barrier is thereforequite practical to apply to building elements, since it can be foldedaround corners and in other situations. The material can be cut byordinary tools, yet remains durable after installation and retainssignificant tensile strength.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide anarchitectural barrier for lining subterranean walls and other buildingsurfaces that is impenetrable by both water and termites.

It is another object of the invention that the novel barrier be flexibleand capable of being folded.

It is a further object of the invention that the novel barrier beinstalled using conventional tools and standard installation techniques.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a novel barrier thatwill stay attached to a vertical surface during construction.

An additional object of the invention is to enable installation byadhesion to building surfaces.

It is again an object of the invention to preserve adhesive qualities ofthe novel barrier prior to installation.

Still yet another object of the invention is to provide a barrier witheasy to seal joints and a waterproof layer that provide durabilityagainst the corrosive properties of soil and other backfill materials.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide waterproofing andtermite protection for attachment to a wide range of subterraneanbuilding surfaces, including but not limited to wood, brick, concrete,concrete block, steel, plastic, and plastic foam insulation material.

It is yet a further object of the invention to insure that the tackymaterial of the novel web will not adhere to itself during manufacture,packaging, storage, transportation and installation, or be exposed tothe elements and construction activity after installation and duringbuilding construction.

It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements andarrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which isinexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing itsintended purposes.

These and other objects of the present invention will become readilyapparent upon further review of the following specification anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the presentinvention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of the invention installedon subterranean building components.

FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the invention in a further stage ofconstruction from that of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the novel web,with the various layers broken away progressively to reveal the internalconstruction.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of the novelweb, with the various layers broken away progressively to reveal theinternal construction.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a third embodiment of the novelweb, with the various layers broken away progressively to reveal theinternal construction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 of the drawings illustrates a first embodiment of the invention,as installed on a foundation footing 2 and subterranean wall 4 of abuilding (not shown in its entirety). The novel web is installed inindividual sheets 10, 12, 14 successively adhered to external surfacesof footing 2 and wall 4. Each sheet 10, 12, or 14 overlaps itspredecessor to assure continuity of the barrier of protection. Specialattention should be given to all seams, edges, overlaps, corners,patches, and protrusions during installation to maintain the integrityof both the waterproofing and the termite barrier. These joints may needcrimped edges, heat sealing, compression with a roller or other tool,caulking, or any combination of these and other sealing techniques,depending on the application. All stainless steel mesh joints shouldmaintain the proper distance required to prevent the passage of atermite.

The novel web is flexible, so that sheets 10, 12, 14 may be folded, asindicated at 10A, 12A, and 14A, to conform closely to footing 2 and wall4, as well as to fit around corners of wall 4 and intersecting walls.Surface 4A is preferably dry primed to enable adhesion by a tackymaterial. This construction provides a waterproof barrier that goesbeyond a simple dampness or moisture barrier in protecting the building.The flexibility allows flashing to be created around corners joints,projections, and dissimilar materials and surfaces. Once installed, thepresent invention need not be installed again as it will not deteriorateover time.

FIG. 2 shows a further stage in construction of a building protectedaccording to the invention. Both interior surfaces 2A, 4A and exteriorsurfaces 2B, 4B of footing 2 and wall 4 have been covered by a novel web14, 16. A concrete floor 6 is poured in conventional fashion, trappingweb 14 between floor 6, on one side, and footing 2 and wall 4 on theother side. Above the floor 6, the web 14 extends along wall 4 as shownby the solid line, or may extend along the floor 6 as shown by dottedline 20. The barrier thus formed in the building affords protection fromboth penetration of water and by termites. It will be appreciated thatit is a standard building practice that a well designed drainage system(not shown as not being part of the present invention) be installed toremove excess water from the footer and wall area. It will also beappreciated that the potential of hydrostatic pressure at the exteriorof the building may become so great that a drainage system will berequired.

FIG. 3 illustrates construction of one embodiment of webs 10, 12, 14,and 16. The invention is preferably provided as a generally flat web 100having nominal thickness, and comprising several strata. Web 100 iscovered by protective film 102. Behind film 102 in the depiction of FIG.3 is a mesh screen 104, fabricated from stainless steel and having meshopenings sized small enough to prevent passage of a termite. Althoughthe actual opening size may vary according to sizes of species orvariations of termites in different locales, mesh opening sizes willgenerally not exceed one thirty-second of an inch in any diameter.

Web 100 includes a rubberized asphalt compound (or other waterproofmaterial) 106 behind mesh screen 104. The asphalt compound 106 is in aplastic state and fills the recesses of the mesh screen 104 to therebyembed the screen 104. A release liner 108 covers asphalt compound 106.Release liner 108 comprises any suitable material which will adhere tocompound 106, but may be pulled free manually to expose compound 106.Liner 108 is removed immediately prior to installing web 100 onto asurface of an architectural member being protected.

FIG. 4 shows a web 200 having similar protection benefits as web 100,but varying in construction. Web 200 includes, in the order illustrated,a release liner 202, a first layer 204 of rubberized asphalt compound(orother waterproof material), stainless steel mesh screen 206, a secondlayer 208 of rubberized asphalt compound(or other waterproof material),and a final layer in the form of a second release liner 210. The asphaltcompound in layers 204 and 208 are in a plastic state and fill therecesses of the mesh screen 206 to thereby thoroughly embed the screen206 from both directions. In addition the two asphalt layers make web200 symmetrical, and therefore the web 200 need not be oriented withrespect to which side must be exposed to the architectural member inorder to present a tacky surface thereto. The second release linerprotects the exterior tacky surface, and once removed allows additionalmaterials to be added and adhered to the exterior membrane surface afterinstallation of the web. This technique is known and used with othertype of protective construction webs. Should this double sided featurebe unnecessary, a further embodiment of the web is provided wherein thefinal layer 210 is in the form of a non-removable protective film asopposed to a release liner.

FIG. 5 illustrates a third embodiment of the invention wherein web 300has, in the order illustrated, a protective film 302, a stainless steelmesh screen 304, a first layer 306 of rubberized asphalt compound (orother waterproof material), a layer of fiber reinforced material 308,(preferably fiberglass) a second layer 310 of rubberized asphaltcompound (or other waterproof material), and a release liner 312. Inthis embodiment, the asphalt compound in layers 306 and 310 embed thefiber reinforced material 308 from both directions, while the asphaltcompound in layer 306 fills the recesses of the mesh screen 304.

Throughout the various embodiments, individual layers may be essentiallysimilar. For example, the screen mesh 104 of FIG. 1 may be similar oridentical to the screen mesh 206 of FIG. 2 and the screen mesh 304 ofFIG. 3. This screen mesh is preferably stainless steel as is availablefrom building supply and hardware stores. The asphalt compound in eachembodiment acts as a water barrier, with a tacky surface for adhesion tosurfaces while filling small voids in the surfaces, while also acting asa binder for the other layers. Similarly, release liners 108, 202, 210and 312 may be fabricated from the same stock material, as areprotective films 102, 210 (further embodiment) and 302. The presentinvention uses stock materials to form a novel web that is laminatedinto an integral structure using heat and mill forming.

Architectural surfaces may require that a primer or adhesive be appliedprior to the installation of the novel barrier. All surfaces should bedry and clean prior to the installation of the web. It should be noted,however, that once installed, the waterproofing (as opposed to a simplebarrier to moisture or dampness) ability of the asphalt compoundprotects the building components, even should rain fill the area aboutthe wall prior to backfilling. It should also be noted that it isstandard construction practice to install a well designed drainagesystem at or around building foundation footings to remove excess waterand hydrostatic pressure.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to theembodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodimentswithin the scope of the following claims.

I claim:
 1. A waterproofing membrane and termite barrier for protectingan exterior building surface, said waterproofing membrane and termitebarrier comprising: a protective film; a metal mesh screen includingrecesses sized to inhibit the passage of termites therethrough, saidscreen being adjacent said protective film; a tacky waterproof compound,said tacky waterproof compound filling said recesses in said screen andcontacting said protective film to thereby bind the barrier together;and a release liner covering and protecting said tacky waterproofcompound prior to applying said barrier to the building surface.
 2. Thewaterproofing membrane and termite barrier according to claim 1, whereinsaid metal mesh screen is made of stainless steel.
 3. The waterproofingmembrane and termite barrier according to claim 1, wherein saidprotective film is made of polyester.
 4. The waterproofing membrane andtermite barrier according to claim 1, wherein said tacky waterproofcompound is a rubberized asphaltic compound.
 5. The waterproofingmembrane and termite barrier according to claim 1, wherein said releaseliner is made of polyethylene.